Industrial and biomedical applications of slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces

Abstract

Abstract Slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces (SLIPS) are biomimetic interface materials that consist of a porous structure or polymer network substrate with a high specific surface area and a perfused liquid lubricant. This surface has an extremely low coefficient of friction and a high degree of antifouling property, which can effectively repel various liquids, oils, ice, biofilms, etc. The tunable performance of SLIPS endows it with promising application prospects in various fields, thus emphasizing the importance of designing diverse SLIPS materials tailored to specific application scenarios in the future. However, owing to the inherent fluid properties of lubricating oil, the surface may encounter challenges associated with lubricant depletion during practical utilization. This review paper focuses on elucidating the principles, design strategies, and fabrication techniques employed for developing SLIPS materials in anti-ice applications, drag reduction applications, and biomedicine. Furthermore, a comprehensive summary of challenges encountered by SLIPS in different domains is provided along with potential avenues for future research to improve the stability and durability of SLIPS. In conclusion, SLIPS shows significant potential for diverse applications, yet necessitates comprehensive research to address its inherent challenges and extend its versatility and functionality across various domains.